Pilgrimage tour

Pilgrimage tour

FOLLOWING THE ROUTE OF POPE in ARMENIA

Day1 – Departure from..Arrival to Yerevan.

Day2 – GARNI/GEGHARD/MATENADARAN/YEREVAN

In the morning visit to Matenadaran Museum of ancient manuscripts then proceed to Garni temple is the only pagan temple in a territory of Armenia built in 1st C AD by the Armenian King Trdat the First. It is dedicated to God of Sun Mithras.The Garni temple lies about 32KM East of Yerevan and the complex hosts a number of buildings including a royal palace, Roman bath and a church. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1679, the Garni Temple was reconstructed in the 1970’s and is now made up of both original and replacement masonry.Geghard( UNESCO world heritage site in Armenia) is incredible medieval Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. Though the monastery has been around since before the 4th century, the main cathedral was built in 1215. The existing ensemble dates back to the 12th—13th centuries, the time of the flourishing of national culture, especially architecture.
Overnight in Yerevan.

Day3 – LAKE SEVAN/DILIJAN/HAGHARTSIN/DILIJAN

In the morning proceed to Noraduz cemetery of cross-stones.Proceed to Lake Sevan one of the world’s high altitude lakes. Take stairs to the top of Sevan peninsula to enjoy breathtaking scenery of splendid mountain chain surrounding glittering surface of the lake. Now it is time to uncover the secrets of Sevan monastery dating back to 9th century, St.Arakelots and St.Astvatsatsin churches are beautiful examples of Armenian church architecture of medieval period.Known as Armenian Switzerland, Dilijan attracts visitors with lash forests, fertile meadows, rushing river Aghstev, stunning and quiet nature Stroll through the picturesque old quarter, particularly Sharambeyan street and its pottery, carpentry and other artisan shops. And taking another 18km drive through forest road find out the hidden treasure- 13th c Haghartsin monastery.
Overnight in Dilijan.

Day4 – HAGHPAT/ODZUN/GYUMRI

Drive to Lori region. Debed canyon ,Pambak and Lori mountain chains, rushing river Debed will make your drive into very enjoyable experience.
The monastery of Haghpat was founded in 976 during the reign of king Ashot III Bagratouni. The oldest structure of the Monastery is the church of St. Nshan. It is of the domed hall type and was consecrated in 991.The monastic complex also includes: a small domed church of St.Grigor, the chapel of St.Astvatsatsin, the scriptorium, the refectory which is outside of the monastery limits. Next stop is Odzun Church founded in the 6th c. After proceed to Gyumri.
Overnight in Gyumri.

Day5 – GYUMRI/ARUCH/YEREVAN

Gyumri ,is the second largest city in Armenia and the capital of the Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. It was originally founded as Kumayri, later re-founded as Alexandropol between 1837 and 1924 during the Russian rule, then Leninakan between 1924–90, then as Gyumri.4% of the Catholic populatin of Armenia live in Gyumri.The major Catholic Church (2010),Boghossian Centre and Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate are all located in Gyumri and nearby villages(Ashotsk ).Tour of the Gyumri and proceed to Yerevan on the way visiting to Aruch Cathedral 7th c.
Overnight in Yerevan.

Day6 – KHOR VIRAP/NORAVANK/YEREVAN

Driving through the most fertile Ararat valley you will make stop in 45 minutes in medieval Khor Virab monastery (4-17c) with incredible view to glorious mount Ararat. Khor Virab has its special place in the history of Armenia and adoption of Christianity as a state religion in 301. The name Khor Virap means a Deep Dungeon, where Gregory was imprisoned by King Trdat for 13 years and survived, proving the real God and true religion.The next stop is at the monastery Noravank (9-14c), the masterpiece of master Momik. Recently excavated very well preserved Copper Age settlement Bird’s Cavern uncovers the secret s of 6000 years old wine production in Armenia. The site boasts incredible items excavated in 2008-2010,among which is the world’s oldest shoe 5,500 years old. Explore the unique cavern’s ritual and burial halls. Return to Yerevan and the next stop is The History Museum of Armenia specialized in the fields of Archaeology, Numismatics and Ethnography. It possesses a large collection of stone age, as well as 3rd to 2nd millennium BC bronze specimens, that belong to the world treasury of masterpieces.

Overnight in Dilijan.

Day7 – ECHMIADZIN/ZVARTNOTS/YEREVAN

Fascinating journey through the path of Christianity .Echmiadzin is the spiritual center of Armenia, the Armenian Vatican. It is truly amazing experience to visit to Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, one of the world’s ancient churches built and consecrated by St. Gregory the illuminator and St.Trdat the Great in 303 AD . Echmiadzin translates literally “the place” where the Only Begotten Son of God descended. According to tradition, St. Gregory the illuminator saw a vision of the Only Begotten descended from heaven and with a golden hammer stroke the ground where the Cathedral was to be located. Echmiadzin is also The See of the Armenian Apostolic Church and residence for its head, the Catholicos.Five kilometers towards Yerevan from Echmiadzin there are the ruins of Zvartnots.
The temple was a tree tiered central – domed structure that astounded with its magnificence. According to the opinion of European specialists the temple of Zvartnots may be ranked with greatest monuments of ancient architecture.Continue to Cascade , a long stairway alongside multiple levels of fountains with it’s amazing sculptures square of world famous artists as Botero, Chadwick, Flanagan, the Republic Square with it magnificent buildings enhanced by singing fountains, via Northern Avenue, an ambitious project of independent Armenia to Freedom Square and Opera House.Your visit includes also Genocide Memorial and Museum.
Overnight in Yerevan.